What are the nearest attractions to Teotihuacan?

Attractions near Teotihuacan: Xochimilco Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe) Latin-American Tower (Torre Latinoamericana)

What else should I know about attractions in Mexico City?

As well as visiting the Teotihuacan, check out these trip ideas to make the most of your visit: 12 of the World's Best Masterpieces and Where To See Them Aztec History in Mexico City An Insider's Guide to Black-Owned Mexico City

Teotihuacan - What To Know BEFORE You Go

The Basics

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is commonly visited on day trips from nearby Mexico City. See the pyramids from above on a sunrise hot-air balloon ride before exploring the ruins on the ground, or opt for an early-morning tour with an archaeologist to learn the site's history and avoid the crowds that descend later in the day. Teotihuacán highlights include the Moon Plaza, the Sun Pyramid, the Palace of Quetzalpapalotl, and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl (the feathered serpent).

Things to Know Before You Go

Teotihuacán is a must-see for history buffs and those interested in indigenous cultures.
The steep climb to the top of the Sun Pyramid includes more than 200 steps so requires a reasonable level of fitness.
Though the pyramids are not wheelchair accessible, the site itself and the restrooms are.
The site is closed on Mondays, and Mexican residents receive free admission on Sundays.
On weekends and holidays, a trolley takes visitors from the entry booths to various stops within the site for a small fee.

How to Get There

Located about 30 miles (50 kilometers) northeast of Mexico City, Teotihuacán is accessible by the scenic but long 132D, a winding freeway that can take well over an hour, and 85D, a toll road that will usually get you to the pyramids in about 50 minutes. It's also easy and convenient to take a bus from the Terminal Central del Norte in Mexico City; buses leave at least hourly and are geared toward tourists with limited Spanish skills.

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When to Get There

Since locals receive free admission on Sundays, expect more crowds then. Popular Mexican public holidays, such as Independence Day (September 16), the week of Easter, and All Saints Day (November 1) also tend to attract more visitors. In general, in order to beat the crowds, arrive in the early morning either on a private tour or on your own.

Visiting the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe

About a 50-minute drive from Teotihuacán, the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Basílica de Santa María de Guadalupe) is the most-visited religious site in Latin America. In 1531, a man professed to see a vision of the Virgin Mary at the site, and a second image is said to have appeared on his cloak. Millions of worshippers come to the basilica every year to see this sacred cloth, and Our Lady of Guadalupe Day is celebrated December 12.

Recent reviews from experiences in Mexico City

Unforgettable memory

Stephanie_P, Mar 2022

Hot Air Balloon Flight over Teotihuacan, from Mexico City

This was a great activity to do during my trip to CDMX. Because of COVID you are not allowed to climb the pyramids in Teotihuacan. This was a great alternative to see the beautiful view from the top. Being in the hot air balloon and seeing sunrise is an unforgettable memory. Looking at the pyramid from an aerial view and seeing all the other balloons around is absolutely breath taking.

You must see Teotihuacan!

LARRYSTANTON_W, Aug 2022

Pyramids of Teotihuacan Private Tour

Teotihuacan was impressive and amazing. The scope of the ancient city was breathtaking to see, especially with the right guide. Stepping Mexico/Viator handled all the details, from transportation, tickets, and hiring a certified guide. Book with Renee and ask for Jamie to lead your group. You will be glad you did.

Excellent Experience!

Krista_N, Aug 2022

Everything went incredibly smoothly - from being picked up at a nearby hotel to the drive to the launch spot near Teotihuacan. The views were incredible! Our guide was very nice and very professional - he let us fully enjoy the views without interruption while in the balloon but also appropriately celebrated with a toast at the conclusion of the trip. Great value for the money. This was our favorite thing we did during our stay in/near Mexico City.

Teotihuacan, Tlatelolco, Guadalupe Shrine and Tequila Tasting Tour

Scott_H, Jul 2022

Visiting the Teotihuacan, the great pyramid, and the Our Lady of Guadalupe shrine at Tepayac and Tlatelolco.

So worth it!

Matthew_H, May 2022

Private Tour: Teotihuacan and Tlatelolco

Jorge, Edgar and Noe turned this "tour" into an unforgettable experience. Their combined knowledge was invaluable to understand and attempt to gain insight and perspective on the amazing peoples who had inhabited Teotihuacan. I am not usually a "tour with a guide" kind of traveler, but wouldn't have done it any other way. Highly recommend the tour and if possible with Jorge, Edgar and Noe. They were very pleasant and felt like true friends by the end of the day.

From an expert in the field. Literally.

Ashok_K, Apr 2022

Teotihuacan Archaeology Tours

Jorge, our guide, and his wife have devoted their lives to studying the history and archaelogy of Teothihuacan. They are the "real deal" and know much of the history and interpretation of Teotihuacan. My wife is a professor of Latin American studies, and I am an Andean archaelogical researcher, so we were delighted to share in Jorge's obvious enthusiasm and stories about the site. Highly recommended.

Great experience with Viator!

Sandra_B, Jun 2022

Teotihuacán Full Day Tour from Mexico City

Amazing guide who knew lots about the story of Teotihuacan. Great food, reliable transport and overall a wonderful experience as always with Viator!

Awesome Tour

Nikki_A, Aug 2022

Teotihuacan: City of the Gods Private Tour From Mexico City

Our guide, Fermin, was not only extremely knowledgeable but he was also funny and pleasant. The convenience and safety of having a private driver and guide was extraordinary. He really made our day awesome!

Friday with the ancients

Summer_T, Jul 2022

Great private tour with early access to avoid the crowds. Unable to access certain areas of the site due to COVID.

Fantastic tour with Ivan!

Pamela_A, May 2022

Highly recommend a private tour with Ivan. We were a group of 6 friends. Ivan was punctual for pick up and the large van was extremely comfortable and clean. Ivan’s information was interesting. He was professional and courteous throughout. We had a great time. Thank you!

Nice tour

Gianela_G, May 2022

Teotihuacan & Basilica Guadalupe Tour with lunch

Melissa, our tour guide, was great. The van was clean, driver was very polite and the A/C worked good. Lunch was provided and was good too. I really enjoyed our group!

The ancient mystery civilization of Teotihuacan.

Daniel_T, May 2022

Teotihuacan Early Access tour with Tequila Tasting

It was simply awe-inspiring to be at this ancient metropolis, to realize it was built and inhabited more than 500 years before Columbus unleashed the destructive forces on this “new” world, AND to realize that these were not reconstructed but discovered and vegetation accumulated dirt simply cleaned off. A must see!

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